The King and Queen of Katwe Return: Highlights!!!
Photo Credit: Ivan Mukuye
The atmosphere at the SOM Chess Academy in Katwe was electric this past week. From April 3rd to 6th, the “Home of the Queen of Katwe” hosted the 3rd edition of the SOM Easter Open, an event that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Ugandan chess calendar.
Founded in 2004 under the visionary leadership of Robert Katende, the Academy continues to build on its international legacy. This year’s tournament wasn’t just about local bragging rights; it served as a high-stakes proving ground for Olympians preparing for the upcoming World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan this September.
Mastery on the Board: FM Haruna Nsubuga Defends His Crown
In the Open Section, the competition was fierce, featuring a field of seasoned Fide Masters and rising stars. However, FM Haruna Nsubuga proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with.
Displaying a blend of tactical brilliance and iron-clad discipline, Haruna maneuvered through 8 grueling rounds to finish with 7 points, successfully defending his title for the second consecutive time. His victory was cemented by clinical wins against top-tier contenders, including a narrow tie-break edge over FM Harold Wanyama, who also finished with 7 points.
Open Section Top Standings:
| Rk. | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts (TB1) |
| 1 | FM Nsubuga, Haruna | UGA | 2142 | 7.0 |
| 2 | FM Wanyama, Harold | UGA | 2129 | 7.0 |
| 3 | CM Egesa, Emmanuel | UGA | 2070 | 6.0 |
Leading the Way: Asaba Juliet Triumphs in the Ladies’ Section
The Ladies’ Section may have seen a lower turnout this year, but the quality of play remained world-class. WCM Asaba Juliet dominated the field, finishing at the top of the rankings with 7 points.
Her performance was a masterclass in consistency. Much like Haruna, Juliet’s success is a testament to the hard work and discipline required to compete at an Olympic level. She was followed closely by Olivia Asiimwe (6 points) and Joan Ahereza (5.5 points).
Ladies’ Section Top Standings:
| Rk. | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts (TB1) |
| 1 | WCM Asaba, Juliet | UGA | 1840 | 7.0 |
| 2 | Asiimwe, Olivia | UGA | 1897 | 6.0 |
| 3 | Ahereza, Joan | UGA | 1711 | 5.5 |
Nurturing the Future: The Junior Section
The youth were not left behind, with the Junior Section showcasing the next generation of Ugandan talent. Humphrey Kajjoba led the U16 pack with an impressive 5.5 points after 6 rounds, followed by Keithem Omara and Fred Tumwesige. The Academy’s commitment to grassroots development was evident, with prizes ranging from smartwatches to school requirement assistance, ensuring that these young minds are supported both on and off the board.
A Tournament of Growth and Hospitality
Organized by the SOM Chess Academy in conjunction with the Robert Katende Initiative, this year’s edition introduced several welcome improvements. Most notably, players were treated to lunch during the final two days of the event—a small but significant gesture that kept the competitors fueled for the intense double-rounds.
As the 4-day event concluded, the message was clear: whether you are a titled Olympian or a junior just starting in Katwe, progress is born from discipline.
“Transforming lives through chess, one move at a time.”
Congratulations to all the winners and participants. We look forward to seeing our Olympians carry this momentum all the way to Uzbekistan!
These are some of the remarkable games from FM Haruna.
